The National tribune., 1887-03-24

GEN. JOHN c. BLACK.
His Genuine sympathy Wih the Disabled Vet
eraus.


His Genuine sympathy with the Disabled Vet
eraus.
EDITOR NATIONAL TEIRUNE; Knowing the
abiding interest you have in al matters Affect
Ing OK soldiers. | VIII conGne myself iu this
letter to some remarks on the important sub
jcyl oi pensions. To begin, ask your aiton-
ton % a copy Of circular letter herewith, pre-
pared by the Commissioners Of Pensions, which
Wll explain Itself, aud evidence the honest
n0n-par,isan methods which Distinguish The
present management of the Bureau. The
large increase ia the number OF claims adj
mytci during The two years Of Gen. Black ad-
mimi i8,ion. as compared with a like period
preceding. taking iuto consideration the ma
tcrIal reduction OF the clerical force under has
charge, is sufficient commentator OF the Wis
dom aud sound Judgment, together with the
unlIrIng energy displayed By this able oihcer
ia behalf OF his fellow soldiers.
Ii has been ius.uuatcd in some quarters By
few uuprincipiUd patriots for revenue only
who have found il impossible 10 bend his
stern lHt gritty into connicnaacng their selfish
schemes, that Ae is not true friend OF the cN-
onion soldier. His entire course while IN
charge of this great Bureau gives the lie 10
these unworthy innuauG0es, aud aptiy recalls
the trlte adage, actions speak louder than
words, and for his acts he stands ready 10 be
Judged by his comrades and fellow ClilZcnS.
Gen. Black being himself a crippled sollier,
naturally has tender spot in his great heart
for those similarly afflicted, and is ever prone
10 put the most favorable construction on mere
technical impcrftc ct0ns in AN honest claim;
but he is not willing 10 bring the soldier e!e-
mant into disrepute by aiding in any manner
the allowances Of cases without merit IL
would cheer The despouding hearts Of those
whose claims have been dragging along through
the weary years since the close OF the war
/ could they hear the eloquent appeGs made al
most daily 10 his Chiefs OF Divisions 10 urge
upon their subordinatos the pressing need for
action on old claims. To quote his own words
upon a recent occasion, as nearly As ! can re-
call them, will give You a better idea OF his
feelings on the subject than anything | could
say: These veterans" he remarked, have
bat a short span OF life left to them, aud IL is
the duty OF every man in this Bureau 10 exert
himself to the utmost 10 render what repara-
ton remains in our power for the neglect, or
whatever the ~ause may have been for non
action, heretofore The man who is not in
cllncd to prosecute this work with tirelcss
energy Is not loyal TO me, nor true TO the trust
rcposcd IN him."
This talk has the ring of true metal, and ]
feel thankful six days in the week when j
hear this gallant soldier, with tears in his
words, impress upon his Chiefs the great neces-
sity for prompt action) that the brave hearts
who bore the brunt Of battle in the dark days
Of the rebellion, have at least one powerful
friend, tried and true 10 guard their interests.
While Gen. John &. Black lives the cX- Union
soldier will have a bold, frank and aggressive
advocate; a man OF broad aud comprehensive
views, loyal 10 the best interests OF our com
mon country-in word, a man you can tie
TO-"
Keep il before the boys, that when they see
this name they 90 for il Uith al heir might! 1t
never can be linked with dishonor! !-THIRD
CoRPs BATTERyAIAS, Washington, ID. &.
Below is copy Of the circular letter al
luded TO:
DEPARTMENT or THE INTERIOR.
Pension OF1ICI. WASHINGTON. ID. &. -, 1sS
SIR; j return your leiicrof - inst, and request
That hereafter IN making inquiries relative to your
pension claim you viii conliue yourself strictly 10
the suhect matter Of the inquiry.
] cannot consider pension cases on political
grounds. nor can allow statement Of the politics
OF claimants or Il Witnesses 10 enter into cases.
hOuarc, Therefore respectful y requested u purge
your communication Of tbc references above dcsig-
mated, and 10 return your amended statement set
ting forth The acls uaiernl 10 the case, and your
/ claim viii then receive every attention.
The Commissioner viii receive any statements
Chat show. tend To show, injustice in The treat
mcnt OF any claimant, or any discrimination. no
odds what grounds, aud viii endcavor 10 correct
I any real wrong that nuy have been suffered. bot
lac canuut allow ihc mere statement Of the opinions
affiliations OF parties 10 cumbcr the files of this
/ Office.
Very respectfully, JoHE C. BLACK,
Commissioner.
] Per ". H. ;.